The Apple TV remote (alternatively referred to as Siri Remote) is a gadget that you cannot do without when it comes to navigating your Apple TV, playing, and regulating volume. Nonetheless, the most frequent complaint of the users is that the Apple TV remote volume is not functioning. This may deny you the opportunity to watch your favorite shows or even you are not able to control external gadgets such as soundbars or TVs.
Here, in the guide, we will explain that the function of volume can break down, we will explain the troubleshooting step by step, give tips to avoid such problems in the future, and give the answers to the most common questions. They include a guide on everything you need regardless of whether you are using the latest Siri Remote or an older Apple TV remote.
Why the Apple TV Remote Volume Button is not working
The primary step in addressing the problems of volume is to understand the underlying cause. The most prevalent reasons are the following:
HDMI-CEC or Audio Settings
Apple TV also uses HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to control the volume of the TV or receiver. Volume cannot be adjusted on the remote in case HDMI-CEC is activated off or improperly configured.
Remote Compatibility
Not every remote is able to manage the volume of the TV or receiver. The volume control with older Apple televisions or remotes might not be supported through the IR or HDMI.
Low Battery
Siri Remote has a rechargeable battery. Maintaining low battery levels may result in impairment on some functions such as the volume control.
Software Glitches
Volume control can be disabled by temporary glitches in the TVOS software or in the remote software. This problem can be solved by restarting or updating your Apple TV.
Hardware Damage
The damage of the remote, TV, or sound system may be physical, which impedes the volume adjusting.
Incorrect Audio Output
In case you happen to have your Apple TV audio output mixed up, then the volume controls will have no effect on the device you are targeting, like a soundbar or receiver.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
The following is a step-by-step instruction on how to resolve the problem of non-responsive Apple TV remote volume:
Step 1: Check HDMI-CEC Settings
HDMI-CEC enables the automatic usage of Apple TV to regulate the volume of the TV or receiver.
- Click on Settings/Remotes and devices/ Control TVs and receivers.
- Ensure the option is enabled.
- Test the volume buttons.
Note: HDMI-CEC is also known as Anynet+ (Samsung), Simplink (LG) or Bravia Sync (Sony). Ensure it’s enabled on your TV.
Step 2: Test Audio settings.
- Click on Settings Videos and audio audio output.
- Make sure that the Apple TV is outputting audio to the appropriate device (TV, soundbar or receiver).
In case we use a soundbar, then choose it as the main audio out.
Step 3: Test and Bill the Remote.
It may cause low battery to make the volume buttons unusable:
- In the case of Siri Remote 2ndGen, it is recommended that it be charged by the Lightning cable at least 30 minutes a time.
- In the case of Siri Remote 1st Gen, power through the provided Lightning cable.
- In case battery level is adequate and yet the volume remains unresponsive, still continue with re-pairing.
Step 4: Re-Pair Your Apple TV Remote.
There are also instances where the remote connection gets lost and has to be re-paired.
- Bring the remote closer to the Apple TV, 34 inches.
- Tap the Back (Menu) and Volume Up buttons within 5 seconds.
- Wait till it is confirmed on screen.
Step 5: Restart Apple TV
- Software glitches can be sorted out by restarting:
- Click on Settings System Restart.
- Alternatively, turn off Apple TV by disconnecting the power source after 10 seconds and then connect it again.
Step 6: Reset the Remote
- In case re-pairing does not power-up, attempt to reset the remote:
- Simultaneously press Hold Back/TV and Volume Up buttons 5 times.
- Release and wait 10 seconds.
- Re-pair with Apple TV.
Step 7: Update tvOS
- Bugs in the volume control are addressed by software patches:
- Click on Settings, System, Software updates and update software.
- Install all the available updates.
Step 8: Check for Interference
- Make sure that it is not obstructing IR or Bluetooth signals:
- Have the remote in close view of the sound or Apple TV.
- Move the electronics such as Wi-Fi routers or microwaves which can interfere.
Step 9: Apply the Apple TV Remote App.
- In case your physical remote has not been started:
- Make your iPhone or iPad a provisional distance computer
- Connect your device with Apple TV using the same Wi-Fi network.
- The app works to navigate and control the volume when troubleshooting the physical remote.
Step 10: Reset Apple TV (Final Recourse)
- Finally, the last path of solving the issue with volume is a factory reset:
- Click on Settings and then in the System section, click on Reset and Update.
- This will wipe all the data, applications and settings.
- Install the Apple TV once more and check the remote.
Volume Problems Prevention tips
- Periodically Update tvOS – Makes everything with the remote fine.
- Charge Approval Often – Experience no battery problems.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC on Everything TVs, receivers, and soundbars should have this feature.
- Clean Remote and Apple TV It can interfere with IR or Bluetooth signals when dusty.
- Avoid Interference – Keep Apple TV unplugged to avoid the devices that can interfere with the signals.
Also Read: Best Shows on Apple TV: A Complete Guide
Apple TV Remote Accessories
These accessories will help you enrich the experience with your Apple TV and avoid volume problems:
- Pay Dock to Siri Remote – keep your remote charged and in order.
- Protective Cases- Cases to help prevent accidental drops or damages.
- Replacement Batteries -Used in older coin cell battery Apple Remotes.
- Remote Finder Apps- Find lost remotes through iPhone.
When in need of Apple Support
Provided that the volume buttons remain unresponsive, despite all the troubleshooting measures being taken:
- Get in touch with Apple Support through the web or call.
- Go to an Apple store or Authorized Service Provider.
They are able to diagnose hardware problems or give a replacement remote where required.
Frequently Asked Questions of Apple Television Remote Volume
Why is my Apple TV remote only partially working?
This could be a signal of interference, low battery or irregular HDMI-CEC signals. Broken down, be sure that everything is properly configured.
Can Siri control volume?
Yes, one can use Siri commands such as Hey Siri, increase volume to manipulate the volume, provided that HDMI-CEC has been properly configured or AirPlay.
Is it possible to use a third-party remote in controlling volume?
It is true that it is possible to use MFi-certified or compatible remotes to control Apple TV volume when they are matched.
What is the reason why volume works on TV but not a soundbar?
Make sure that Apple TV is set to soundbar in audio and HDMI-CEC in both devices.
Final Thoughts
The difficulty of Apple TV remote volume is very annoying, though the majority of problems can be fixed. Turn on HDMI-CEC, audio options, and battery. Turning on and off Apple TV, re-pairing the remote, and updating software problems usually fix the volume control issues.
Your iPhone acts as a makeshift remote with great success, and as long as you do the tips mentioned above, you will be guaranteed of continuous streaming. In the event of maximum troubleshooting, the Apple Support may carry out a diagnosis of the problem in the hardware or give a substitute.
When properly cared for, compiled and maintained, your Apple TV remote volume control will operate over many years to come.